¿Qué sabes sobre el Mes de la Herencia Hispana? ¿Cómo podemos celebrarlo?

[What do you know about Hispanic Heritage Month? How can we celebrate it?]

Lasting from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the culture and contributions of the Latino community. Here at ULM, Hispanic faculty and students tremendously impact campus.

According to the Office of University Planning and Analysis, 289 students identify as Hispanic, which equates to about 3.5% of ULM’s total student population.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, ULM brings the culture of Latin America to campus. The World Languages Department hosts informative sessions discussing the customs of Latin American countries, including Mexico. The Office of International Student Services and Multicultural Affairs sponsors giveaways.

Gina White, the director of international student services and multicultural affairs, explains why Hispanic faculty and students deserve recognition.

“By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor both the rich past and vibrant future of the Hispanic community,” White said.

Assistant Spanish professor Reina Drake emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. 24 years ago. Still, she feels connected to her heritage despite living in the U.S.

“I think I’m very lucky to have been born in Mexico, in a place where there are lots of traditions still after so many years,” Drake said. “Generation passed their traditions to the next generation and then so on.”

Drake has taught Culture and Civilization of Mexico for the past three years. She mentions the cultural evolution of Latin America. Although a lot of traditions have been lost to time, celebrations, such as Hispanic Heritage Month, preserve the customs of the diverse region of Latin America.

“Now, some things were lost already, like native languages,” Drake said. “But I think in terms of food, in terms of music, in terms of how you dress, there’s still some influence in the modern world right now.”

As ULM kicks off its celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month, students reflect on the meaning of heritage and culture. Hispanic students, such as senior social work major Jazmin Gutierrez, explain how heritage represents generations of sacrifice and hardship.

“Whenever I think of heritage, I think of the weight of my parents’ sacrifices,” Gutierrez said. “Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to embrace their sacrifices.”